Leviticus 13:38

KJV

¶ If a man also or a woman have in the skin of their flesh bright spots, [even] white bright spots;

KJV (with Strong's)

If a man {H376} also or a woman {H802} have in the skin {H5785} of their flesh {H1320} bright spots {H934}, even white {H3836} bright spots {H934};

Complete Jewish Bible

"If a man or woman has bright spots on his skin, bright white spots;

Berean Standard Bible

When a man or a woman has white spots on the skin,

American Standard Version

And when a man or a woman hath in the skin of the flesh bright spots, even white bright spots;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Leviticus 13:38 introduces a specific diagnostic scenario within the detailed Mosaic laws concerning `tzara'at`, a comprehensive category of skin afflictions often broadly translated as "leprosy." This verse meticulously describes the initial appearance of "bright spots, even white bright spots" on a person's skin, setting the stage for a critical priestly examination. It highlights the visual ambiguity of certain dermatological conditions, which necessitated careful discernment by the priests to determine whether they indicated a defiling `tzara'at` or a benign, non-defiling condition, thereby underscoring the meticulous nature of God's commands for the physical health and ritual purity of the Israelite community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Leviticus 13 is a pivotal chapter within the book of Leviticus, which is primarily dedicated to establishing the laws of holiness and purity essential for Israel's covenant relationship with Yahweh. Following instructions for sacrifices and priestly consecration in earlier chapters, Leviticus 11-15 meticulously detail laws concerning ritual purity and impurity (`tumah` and `taharah`), covering dietary restrictions, childbirth, and various bodily discharges. Chapter 13 specifically addresses `tzara'at`, a broad term encompassing a range of skin conditions, as well as mildew in garments and houses. Verse 38 functions as a specific case study, presenting a particular type of skin manifestation that necessitates priestly discernment. It directly precedes [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - The Benign Bohaq"), which provides the crucial distinction for the "bright spots" introduced here, differentiating a benign condition (`bohaq`) from a defiling one. This precise sequence underscores the meticulous nature of the Law and the paramount importance of accurate diagnosis in maintaining communal purity and order within the camp.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, living as a nomadic community centered around the Tabernacle, public health and ritual purity were inextricably linked. The detailed regulations in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at") served a dual, interwoven purpose: practical hygiene to prevent the potential spread of contagious diseases within the close confines of the camp, and profound theological instruction regarding the sanctity required to dwell in the presence of a holy God. Priests were not merely religious figures but also functioned as public health officials, responsible for diagnosing conditions, enforcing isolation, and declaring individuals clean or unclean. A person afflicted with `tzara'at` was considered ritually unclean and had to be isolated from the community and the Tabernacle, symbolizing the separation that sin creates between humanity and God. The appearance of "bright spots" was a common enough occurrence to warrant specific, detailed instructions, reflecting the challenges of maintaining health and order in a pre-scientific age, where visible symptoms were the primary basis for diagnosis and action, and where ritual status carried immense social and spiritual weight.
* **Key Themes:** Leviticus 13:38 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Leviticus and the broader Pentateuch. The most prominent is the theme of **Holiness and Purity**, emphasizing God's absolute holiness and His desire for His people to reflect that holiness in every aspect of their lives, including their physical bodies and communal interactions. The meticulous laws concerning `tzara'at` highlight the pervasive nature of impurity and the necessity of divine intervention and priestly mediation for restoration to a state of ritual cleanness. Another key theme is **Discernment and Wisdom**, as the priest's role was not merely to observe but to carefully distinguish between conditions that defiled and those that did not. This foreshadows the broader biblical call for believers to exercise spiritual discernment in distinguishing truth from error, good from evil, and the genuine from the superficial, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discernment Through Practice"). Finally, the laws underscore **God's Comprehensive Care** for His people, demonstrating that His covenant extends even to the mundane details of daily life and health, reflecting His desire for their holistic well-being and flourishing within the covenant community, a concept echoed in [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24 - God's Commands for Our Good").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **בֹּהֶרֶת (Hebrew, _bôhereth'_):** Translated as "bright spots" (KJV), this feminine active participle refers to "a whitish spot on the skin; bright spot." It denotes a general term for a light-colored skin lesion that could potentially be `tzara'at` but also includes benign conditions. The repetition in the KJV, "bright spots, [even] white bright spots," emphasizes the distinct visual characteristic that required careful examination. This word sets up the diagnostic challenge that the priest must resolve by distinguishing it from other, more serious conditions.
* **לָבָן (Hebrew, _lâbân'_):** Translated as "white" (KJV), this adjective directly modifies `bôhereth`, clarifying the color of the spots. The presence of a "white" bright spot was a specific visual cue for the priest, indicating a potential condition that required immediate attention and examination. This particular color was a key identifier in the diagnostic process outlined in the subsequent verses of [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at").
* **עוֹר (Hebrew, _ʻôwr'_):** Translated as "skin" (KJV), this noun refers to the outer covering of the body. The specific mention of the "skin of their flesh" (along with H1320, `bâsâr`, for "flesh") precisely locates the affliction. The skin, as the visible boundary of the body, was the primary site for observing ritual purity or impurity, making its condition central to the diagnostic process and the individual's standing within the community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ If a man also or a woman":** This opening clause establishes the universal applicability of the law. These regulations apply to all members of the Israelite community, regardless of gender or social status. It underscores God's comprehensive concern for the purity and well-being of every individual within the covenant community, emphasizing that all are equally subject to the divine standards of holiness.
* **"have in the skin of their flesh":** This phrase precisely specifies the location of the affliction – on the visible outer layer of the body. The skin serves as a crucial boundary, and visible conditions upon it were often seen as outward manifestations of an inner state, whether physical or, in the case of `tzara'at`, a state of ritual impurity. The focus is on what is observable and requires priestly assessment, highlighting the external signs that trigger the diagnostic protocol.
* **"bright spots, [even] white bright spots;":** This describes the specific visual symptom that triggers the diagnostic process. The Hebrew `bôhereth` is repeated for emphasis, highlighting the distinct visual characteristic of these white patches. This phrasing sets the stage for the priestly examination, as these "bright spots" could be either the serious, defiling `tzara'at` or the benign `bohaq` mentioned in the subsequent verse. The inherent ambiguity in the description necessitates careful discernment and the detailed diagnostic steps that follow.

#### Literary Devices
Leviticus 13:38 employs several literary devices to convey its message and structure the legal code. The primary device is **Casuistic Law**, characterized by its "If... then..." structure. While the "then" is implied in this verse and explicitly detailed in subsequent verses (e.g., [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - The Benign Bohaq")), this format presents a specific hypothetical case ("If a man... have... bright spots") and then outlines the required response, typical of much of the Mosaic Law. This allows for precise application to various situations and ensures clarity in legal interpretation. **Repetition** is also evident in the phrase "bright spots, [even] white bright spots," which serves to emphasize the specific visual characteristic that the priest must observe. This repetition highlights the critical nature of the initial symptom and the need for careful discernment, drawing the reader's attention to the exact nature of the condition. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** at play. The skin, as the body's outer boundary, often symbolizes one's external presentation or ritual state. The "bright spots" thus become a visible sign of a potential invisible condition, whether physical or ritual, requiring examination to determine one's standing within the holy community and their fitness for dwelling in the presence of God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Leviticus 13:38, though seemingly a mundane medical regulation, is deeply embedded in the theological framework of the Old Covenant, revealing God's meticulous concern for holiness and the well-being of His people. It underscores that God's holiness extends to every aspect of life, including physical health and communal purity, demonstrating that a holy God desires a holy people in every dimension of their existence. The necessity for careful priestly discernment foreshadows the broader biblical theme of distinguishing between truth and error, clean and unclean, and the genuine from the superficial. These laws were not merely arbitrary rules but pedagogical tools, teaching Israel about the pervasive nature of impurity and the absolute necessity of divine intervention for cleansing and restoration, ultimately pointing to a deeper spiritual reality.

* [Leviticus 11:44-45](/leviticus/11-44-45 "Leviticus 11:44-45 - Be Holy, For I Am Holy")
* [Deuteronomy 6:24](/deuteronomy/6-24 "Deuteronomy 6:24 - God's Commands for Our Good")
* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discernment Through Practice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the specific laws of Leviticus 13 are not literally binding on New Covenant believers, the underlying principles remain profoundly relevant for spiritual formation and communal life. This verse reminds us of the importance of careful discernment and avoiding hasty judgments, whether in physical health, spiritual matters, or interpersonal relationships. Just as the priest had to meticulously examine the "bright spots" to distinguish between a defiling condition and a benign one, we are called to exercise wisdom, patience, and compassion in assessing situations, seeking truth and understanding rather than reacting based on superficial appearances or assumptions. This applies to how we perceive ourselves, how we interact within the community of faith, and how we approach complex issues in the world. God's attention to detail in these ancient laws also speaks to His comprehensive care for His people, encouraging us to trust in His providence and wisdom, knowing that His commands, even those that seem intricate, are ultimately for our good and His glory. We are called to be a community that seeks to identify and address spiritual "spots"—whether sin, error, or misunderstanding—with grace, truth, and a fervent desire for restoration, rather than condemnation or immediate separation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's meticulous attention to detail in the Mosaic Law, as seen in this verse, inform your understanding of His character and comprehensive care for His people?**
* **In what areas of your life are you called to exercise greater discernment, avoiding superficial judgments and seeking deeper understanding before acting or speaking?**
* **How can the church community embody the principles of careful examination, compassion, and a desire for restoration when dealing with difficult issues, mirroring the priest's role in Leviticus?**

### FAQ
**Is the "leprosy" mentioned in Leviticus 13 the same as modern Hansen's disease?**

Answer: No, the Hebrew word `tzara'at` (צָרַעַת), often translated as "leprosy" in older versions like the KJV, is a broad term encompassing a variety of skin conditions, not exclusively modern Hansen's disease. Scholars believe it included conditions like psoriasis, vitiligo, various fungal infections, and other dermatological issues. The primary concern in [Leviticus 13](/leviticus/13 "Leviticus 13 - Laws Concerning Tzara'at") was not contagiousness in a modern medical sense, but rather the ritual impurity associated with the condition, which required separation from the community and the Tabernacle.

**What is the significance of "bright spots, even white bright spots" in this verse?**

Answer: This phrasing, translating the Hebrew `bôhereth` (בֹּהֶרֶת), introduces a specific visual symptom that required careful priestly examination. It highlights the initial ambiguity of the skin condition. The repetition emphasizes the visual characteristic and sets up the crucial distinction made in [Leviticus 13:39](/leviticus/13-39 "Leviticus 13:39 - The Benign Bohaq"), where a benign, non-defiling condition called `bohaq` (בֹּהַק) is differentiated from the more serious `tzara'at`. This distinction underscores the need for precise discernment in the priestly role, preventing unnecessary isolation or alarm for a harmless condition.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Leviticus 13:38, with its focus on the diagnosis of "bright spots" and the subsequent determination of purity or impurity, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The physical `tzara'at` and the meticulous laws surrounding it served as a powerful metaphor for sin, which defiles, separates from God, and renders one unclean. In the Old Testament, a person with `tzara'at` was isolated; no one could touch them without becoming unclean. Yet, Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, repeatedly demonstrated His authority over sin and impurity by touching and healing those afflicted with `tzara'at`, as seen in [Matthew 8:1-4](/matthew/8-1-4 "Matthew 8:1-4 - Jesus Heals a Leper"). He did not become unclean by touching them; instead, His inherent holiness cleansed them. This act foreshadowed His greater work: to cleanse humanity from the spiritual `tzara'at` of sin. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing our defilement so that we might be made truly clean. He is the one who perfectly discerns the true condition of the human heart and, unlike the Levitical priest who could only diagnose and declare, Jesus possesses the divine power to purify and restore, bringing us into full communion with God. Our cleansing is not by ritual, but by the precious blood of Christ, which makes us pure before God, as [1 John 1:7](/1_john/1-7 "1 John 1:7 - Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus") proclaims, fulfilling the longing for true purity that the Old Covenant laws could only point towards.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.